How to Create a Sauna in Your Bathtub

Simulating the steam effects of a sauna can help you feel refreshed.

According to Health Services at Columbia, a hot and steamy sauna can help rejuvenate your body as you sweat away toxins from your skin, relieve stress as your muscles relax, and may aid in reducing emotional or depressed feelings. Not everyone has the time or money to go to a local health club and sit in an authentic sauna, but luckily you can create a sauna in your bathtub. By making a sauna right in your own bathroom you can enjoy the soothing effects anytime you want.

Things You'll Need

• Large bowl
• Ice
• Washcloth
• Towels
• Timer

Instructions

1. Fill a large bowl with water and add enough ice to cover the surface of the water. Place a clean wash cloth in the bowl and set in a convenient location near your bathtub such as at the sink, resting on the floor, or on a small chair.

2. Close any doors and windows to your bathroom. Block drafts by lining the bottoms of the doors and windows with towels. Turn off any bathroom fans or vents to close off the air flow from the bathroom.

3. Pull your shower curtain shut to enclose the bath area. Plug the drain of your bathtub. Turn on the bathtub water and set the heat to as hot as your faucet can go. Fill the tub five inches deep or more, if desired.

4. Pull back your shower curtain partially and place a towel along the edge of your bathtub to cushion a seating area for you. Sit at the tub, leaning over if possible. Set your timer for 15 to 20 minutes to allow your body to experience and breathe in the steam.

5. Dab your face or body with your ice cold washcloth when needed if you begin to feel too hot. Drain your tub when the time is up and rinse your body off with cool water or take a cool shower to remove sweat from your skin and lower your body temperature back down.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider adding a few drops of essential oils to the hot water to add an element of aromatherapy to your sauna. Use orange, rose or sandalwood for their antidepressant properties. Eucalyptus and rosemary aid as stimulants. For pain relief, add lavender, chamomile or marjoram.

• If at any time you begin to feel uncomfortable, experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pains, then drain the tub, splash cold water over your face and body, and leave your bathroom.

References

• "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How"; Amy Rost 2009
• GoAskAlice.Columbia.edu: Benefits of sauna